East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (Ca)

Star4.60
336 reviews
INYO
Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

130 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation Resource Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (Ca)
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for both standard non-electric and tent-only sites is $35 per night.
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
760-935-4012
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 336 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingfriendly

Some mention

small

"East Fork Campground is highly regarded for its cleanliness, scenic location, and well-maintained facilities. However, opinions vary significantly based on campsite choice and personal preferences. Sites near the creek are highly sought after for their shade and proximity to water, while others are criticized for being uneven and lacking privacy."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

INYO

East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (Ca)

INYO

Driving directionsFrom Bishop or Mammoth Lakes, California, follow U.S. Highway 395 (about 30 miles north of Bishop). Take the Tom's Place exit and go 6 miles on Rock Creek Road.
This facility is reached via U.S. Highway 395, a well-maintained paved road. The final 6 miles to the campground are also paved, but trailers/RVs over 35 feet are not recommended due to road conditions.
Nearby places
Bishop (approximately 30 miles), Mammoth Lakes (approximately 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (Ca)

At nearly 9,000 feet, East Fork transforms with the seasons in dramatic fashion. Summer days bring crisp mountain air and brilliant sunshine, but don't let the warmth fool you—once the sun dips behind the peaks, temperatures can plunge into the 40s, reminding you that you're camping in true alpine territory. Pack that extra fleece and sleeping bag liner, especially for shoulder-season adventures when frost might kiss your tent by morning. The high elevation creates a microclimate where afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with little warning, adding excitement to your mountain experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for hiking and fishing; crisp days but cold nights, busy and mosquito peaks mid-July.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn brings scenic foliage and cooler weather; reviewers note fall as a highlight.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; spring snowmelt brings cold nights and higher creek flows and lingering mosquitoes.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 4–May 15; not an active winter campground.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 to October 4. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from May 16 to October 4 (reservable period). Out-of-season period: October 4 to May 15.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions, bear activity warnings, and high elevation advisories are current concerns.

About East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (Ca)

Nestled deep within the breathtaking Rock Creek Canyon, East Fork Campground offers an authentic high-Sierra escape where towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral above your tent. Four distinct camping loops wind through this mountain sanctuary, each offering its own character—from sun-dappled clearings perfect for morning coffee to shaded groves where the sound of Rock Creek provides nature's soundtrack. Here in the eastern Sierra Nevada, you'll find the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness, where modern campers can still experience the raw beauty that has drawn adventurers to these mountains for generations.
East Fork Campground caters to tent and RV campers, as well as those seeking group camping options. The campground's diverse site sizes and features aim to accommodate a variety of camping styles.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Reserved sites are held until NOON the day following arrival date.
Check-out
Check-out time is NOON.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of outdoor activities including trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Rock Creek is a prime spot for fishing, and trails in the area lead to stunning alpine lakes, making it a popular choice for hikers and photographers.
HikingRock Creek Canyon features several trails, including paths leading to high-elevation alpine lakes like Little Lakes Valley and Mono Pass. Trails vary in difficulty, accommodating both families and experienced hikers.
FishingFishing in Rock Creek is excellent, with opportunities to catch brook, brown, rainbow, and golden trout. Reports mention that the creek is occasionally stocked with Alpers trout, enhancing the fishing experience.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity in Rock Creek Canyon, with challenging trails available for experienced riders.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika, and various bird species. Frequent bear sightings highlight the importance of using bear-proof lockers for food storage.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area; all food should be stored in bear-proof lockers. Elevation may pose challenges for travelers unaccustomed to high-altitude conditions.
Active AlertsFire restrictions, bear activity warnings, and high elevation advisories are current concerns.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available throughout the campground to securely store food and toiletries.

Weather at East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (Ca)

Reviews

4.6
336 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (Ca) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
East Fork Campground is highly regarded for its cleanliness, scenic location, and well-maintained facilities. However, opinions vary significantly based on campsite choice and personal preferences. Sites near the creek are highly sought after for their shade and proximity to water, while others are criticized for being uneven and lacking privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 336 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's cleanliness, beautiful setting, and friendly, accommodating hosts are frequently praised. Many users highlight the proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities as major...
Show more
Based on 336 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include uneven or sloped campsites, lack of shade, mosquito prevalence, and noise from neighboring campers. Some users express frustration with reservation policies and the...
Show more
Based on 336 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early for first-come, first-served sites near the creek, bringing mosquito repellent, and being prepared for cold nights. Campers also suggest checking site descriptions...
Show more
Based on 336 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground becomes very busy during peak summer months, with increased bear activity reported. Cold nights are common even in summer, and mosquito prevalence peaks in mid-July. Winter camping is...
Show more
Based on 336 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were very clean, and the camp hosts were friendly and helpful." "Make sure to bring mosquito repellent; they are fierce in mid-summer." "The creekside sites are gorgeous but book up...
Show more
Based on 336 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 35 is praised for its shade and proximity to the creek. Sites 128 and 126 are noted for being narrow and sloped, challenging for RVs. Site 27 is criticized for its steep access to the tent pad...
Show more
Based on 336 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews indicate that certain sites may be difficult for individuals with mobility issues due to uneven terrain and narrow pathways.
Based on 336 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but must be leashed. One user reported an unpleasant experience with neighboring campers who did not leash their dogs.
Based on 336 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (Ca)? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Inyo National Forest
East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (Ca)